In August, football season is finally within a reasonable distance once again. While somewhat under the radar, the young college players have certainly been preparing for another great season of Saturday entertainment.
- Michigan and Notre Dame will continue their annual rivalry game through 2031 after signing a 20-year contract extension. It’s a tough call — after all, the Wolverines did teach the Irish how to play football. But then again South Bend has Touchdown Jesus on their side. Many helmet clashes to come… Is it too much to ask for much fewer coverage by NBC to come? [ESPN]
- One thing to watch for Michigan fans is the defense. The team lost seven defensive starters from last year, so younger players will have to step up to the pressure if Michigan is to remain successful. Returner Steve Breaston and kicker Garrett Rivas also finished their football careers in Ann Arbor, so special teams will also be somewhat of a question mark. Nothing in sports is ever scripted, who knows what will happen? [ESPN]
- Michigan Stadium had $226 million in renovations to expand its official capacity from 107,501 to over 108,000 people approved this summer. Work on The Big House is slated to be completed in 2010. [ESPN]
- The Michigan State Spartans will debut their new uniforms this season. They are made of a material that breathes more easily and retains less moisture according to Nike. Supposedly they are tighter fits that give opponents less of an edge while tackling. Most noticeably, the new getups will once again have player last names on the back, the first time since John L. Smith removed them in 2003 to promote “team unity.” [ESPN]
